Micronutrient Intake, Meal Distribution, And Subjective Sleep In Adolescent Female Gymnasts

Female athletes, particularly those competing in aesthetic sports such as gymnastics, are at an increased risk for under fueling and micronutrient deficiencies. However, no data currently exists on micronutrient intake or meal distribution patterns in adolescent artistic gymnasts. PURPOSE: The present study aimed to compare micronutrient intake to the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), assess meal distribution patterns, and evaluate subjective sleep-in adolescent female gymnasts. METHODS: Following an overnight fast, height, weight, and body composition were assessed. Participants then completed the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to assess subjective sleep. Finally, participants were given unique login credentials and instructed to record all foods and caloric drinks for three consecutive days via a digital food log (ASA24). RESULTS: 13 females (age: 15 ± 1 yrs, ht: 160.6 ± 5.4 cm, wt: 56.4 ± 8.2 kg, body fat: 15.8 ± 6.8%, BMI: 21.8 ± 1.5 kg/m2) who were currently competing in artistic gymnastics completed this study during their off-season. Fiber intake was 14.8 ± 7.1 g/day, iron intake was 10.9 ± 4.5 mg/day, calcium intake was 756.2 ± 350.0 mg/day, and vitamin D intake was 3.0 ± 2.1 μg/day with 3 participants meeting the RDA for iron and none meeting the RDA for any other micronutrient analyzed. Between all participants, breakfast was eaten on 68.4% of days, lunch was eaten on 73.7% of days, and dinner was eaten on 81.6% of days. At least one snack was eaten per day on 89.5% of days. ASBQ scores indicated that 30.8% of gymnasts had poor subjective sleep behavior. Poor subjective sleep quality was observed in 46.2% of gymnasts based on PSQI scores. CONCLUSION: In the present study, female adolescent gymnasts consumed less than the RDA for fiber, iron, calcium, and vitamin D. Participants skipped at least one meal per day on most days and many gymnasts presented with poor subjective sleep behavior and quality.